My Week with Marilyn

As an actress and sex symbol, Marilyn Monroe was the icon of her era; women wanted to be her, men wanted to be with her. After her untimely death aged 36, her status continued to soar, with her legacy immortalised on film. As the decades have passed, her likeness has not only graced her cinematic catalogue, but a host of new efforts chronicling her career. Following in the footsteps of TV’s Norma Jean & Marilyn and Blonde, My Week with Marilyn is the latest to explore her enigmatic appeal.

Adapted from Colin Clark’s autobiographical accounts of his youth by Primeval creator and writer Adrian Hodges, the film tells of the fledgling assistant director’s (Eddie Redmayne, The Other Boleyn Girl) encounter with the star (Michelle Williams, Meek’s Cutoff). In an effort to get his start in the industry, he offers his services on Laurence Olivier’s (Kenneth Branagh, The Boat that Rocked) production of The Prince and the Showgirl, with his role as a glorified gopher soon evolving to Marilyn’s companion and confidante.

Accordingly, director Simon Curtis’ debut feature after two decades in television (including mini-series Cranford) explores the bond that forms between the young man and the performer. Over the course of one short week in Britain during the summer of 1956, she shuns her professional responsibilities as a much sought-after Hollywood starlet, relaxing with her naïve cohort as he dreams of more.

Alas, the story is slender at best, combining a coming-of-age tale with a brief biography. However, what it lacks in substance it compensates for in period detail and performances, with both among the film’s highlights. Recreating the famed frustrations on the fated film set, as well as the style of the central star, the movie revels in its distinct entertainment setting. Against such a backdrop, the cast shines, particularly Judi Dench (J. Edgar) and Dominic Cooper (Captain America: The First Avenger) in supporting roles.

Of course, despite the impressive efforts of her co-stars, all eyes are on Academy Award nominee Williams as the ingénue. In a canny impersonation that marries Monroe’s allure and openness, she remains as magnetic as the subject, with an Oscar – if it eventuates – certainly deserved. In scenes with Redmayne, she exudes charisma and vulnerability against his well-matched nervousness. As to be expected, it is Williams’ work that distinguishes My Week with Marilyn from other memoirs, in a slight yet sweet and subtle biopic.

Rating: 4

My Week with Marilyn
Director: Simon Curtis
UK / USA, 2011, 99 min

Distributor: Roadshow
Rated M
In cinemas Thursday 16 February 2012